(WASHINGTON) – The following is a statement by Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa on the vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass H.R. 3388, the SELF DRIVE Act, legislation allowing for the nationwide deployment of automated driving technology.

“As the legislation concerning autonomous vehicles moves forward through Congress, the interests of working Americans and the safety of our roadways must be a top priority for lawmakers.

“The Teamsters Union is encouraged by recent improvements to the bill, including the bipartisan consensus among members of Congress that commercial motor vehicles should be exempted from this legislation.

“However, more work needs to be done. The exemption for commercial vehicles must be clarified prior to final passage. We look forward to working with members of both parties to ensure that workers and the motoring public will have the safe and reliable transportation system they deserve, both today and far into the future.

“The testing of autonomous vehicle technology must be transparent and any technologies that have not been fully vetted and proven should certainly not be rushed into implementation in any commercial capacity.

“We will continue to closely monitor legislation concerning autonomous vehicles and share our concerns with members of Congress in order to ensure that workers are safeguarded and highway safety is protected.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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